University of Colorado Colorado Springs
OP-20: Electronic Waste Recycling Program

Metech Recycling invests in the labor-intensive process of disassembling and de-manufacturing to divert all materials from landfills and incinerators. Metech Recycling guarantees it does not export hazardous waste material; it does not landfill or incinerate hazardous waste material Metech Recycling is certified under the ISO 14001 standard, which addresses quality in environmental management. The BAN e-Stewards certification is the most stringent of environmental standards for recycling electronic waste. Metech Recycling is a founding member of the e-Stewards program, we have undergone 3rd party e-Stewards audits and are awaiting final e-Stewards certification. Metech Recycling dismantles electronics in our collection and processing centers. Data containing devices are securely shredded to eliminate access to any residual data even if drives are “wiped”. Component materials are separated by type (plastics, wire, glass, copper, circuit boards, etc.). Metech Recycling selects and audits downstream partners that share our same high standards of environmental stewardship to ensure that these materials are responsibly returned to the manufacturing stream. Metech Recycling does not resell or export untested, non-working electronics.

UCCS takes all electronic surplus to the Department of Corrections, which then determines if the products are still usable (auction every 3rd Thursday), or if they are appropriate for recycling. The DOC uses Metech Recycling for all of its electronics recycling.

At the end of the academic year, the university participates with a local electronics recycling vendor, Blue Star Recyclers to offer recycling of computers and other electronic products that students are discarding. As well, the university partners with Goodwill Industries to provide reuse options for used computers and electronics. No hazardous or toxic electronic waste material collected by Blue Star will be land-filled, incinerated, or shipped abroad to be dumped. Blue Star Recyclers provides ethical, safe, secure, and responsible e-waste recycling services. Blue Star works with leading organizations that monitor and support sustainability standards including: CDPHE (Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment) PPSBN (Pikes Peak Sustainable Business Network) EPA and DOT certification as a handler and transporter of Universal Waste